DIY snow shovel

How to choose and buy a manual snow blower: features of the work of the main elements

The purchase of a manual snow blower implies its use exclusively in everyday life. However, even with home use, there are many requirements for this device. And the material for making the impeller is one of the main ones. Undoubtedly, metal parts have a serious advantage over plastic ones: they last longer and are able to withstand significant loads. But at the same time, the cost of such devices is much more expensive.

Another important point is the choice of the motor. Obviously, it is the motor that is the main driving force of any such mechanism, and the results of your work, as well as the amount of effort expended, directly depend on its quality. The two biggest challenges a snow blower motor has to deal with are freezing temperatures and hard objects that can get inside. And the breakdown of one component leads to a malfunction of the entire system.

Making a snow blower with your own hands is not difficult, and as a result, you can get a good device for relatively little money.

As a preventive measure for the occurrence of malfunctions, the following connection scheme is used: using a pin or a sheared bolt, which acts as a fuse, the auger is fixed to the drive shaft. This system allows the bolt or pin to break instantly if the auger becomes blocked. After all, it is much easier to replace such a small component than to deal with complex and expensive motor repairs.

Depending on the type, snow blower motors can be divided into two classes: electric and two-stroke combustion engines. It is more profitable and rational to use the second option, however, electric motors also have a number of advantages: they are cheaper, lightweight, do not pollute the atmosphere, are easier to maintain and have a significantly lower vibration level.

Types and design features

Snow shovels are different:

• manufacturing method;
• structural details;
• materials;
• target area;
• by form;
• dimensions.

They are homemade and inventory. Own production is cheaper, but the products are heavier and not as convenient as purchased ones.

Shovel - the engine is suitable for clearing large snow-covered areas. It features a wide bucket that can handle up to 1 meter of snow. The U-shaped handle provides a more comfortable grip. The bucket is sometimes equipped with wheels to increase the functionality of the shovel. This model can be used as a wheelbarrow. A steel pad is made along the edge of the bucket to increase its durability.

A telescopic shovel is much more compact than a shovel with a folding handle. The adjustable handle height makes the snow clearing process more comfortable. This shovel can be purchased separately or as part of a travel kit for out-of-town trips.

The scraper shovel is a mechanical model that is most convenient to use. Relieves stress on the lower back. The bucket is pushed in front of you, while the rotating auger throws the snow sideways. But the tool only copes with a thin, loose snow layer.

Rechargeable winter equipment is ideal for work in summer cottages. Clearing the snow-covered area is carried out without the need to connect to an outlet.

Gasoline vehicles are more expensive and professional tools. In addition, it emits harmful vapors into the air. Maneuverable in work, reducing the time of snow removal by several times.

Dump

Differs from scraper in bucket configuration and parameters. Some models have wheels that take on a considerable weight of the unit. The presence of wheels makes it easier to clear snow, distributing forces only to push the snow forward with the help of a bucket.

The blade is also attached in front of the vehicle in order to clear the roadway in front of it from the snow embankment. In this case, the tool is made of heavy-duty material.

With bucket

The bucket is available on various models of snow shovels. The cleaning efficiency depends on the depth of the snow collection with the bucket. And the width of this part also matters a lot. The bucket is made of different materials: from composite to steel.

Scraper

Differs in a wide handle in the form of an arc and an impressive bucket in width. Purpose - cleaning loose snow. It is impossible to work with a frozen layer with a drag.

Scraper

It differs from the traditional winter shovel by a certain slope - for convenient installation perpendicular to the ground. Suitable only for shoveling, but not for throwing snow masses. The tool is equipped with one or two handles.

Two-handle implements are useful on both large road sections and small paths. The front edge of the metal knife scoops up the snow, and the rear edge moves almost perpendicular to it. To make the job easier, the scraper is often mounted on skis.

It is worth noting that there are hybrids of a shovel with a scraper. Their design allows you to slightly lift snow and move large volumes of it over the surface.

Application of the Forte QI-JY-50 manual snow blower

This is a simple snow blower model suitable for clearing small areas. The equipment is suitable for a summer cottage, a small yard, to make a path to the porch or garage doors. Easily cleans hard-to-reach and narrow areas of the yard.

Convenient to use

Snow blowers Forte QI-JY-50, Husqvarna, cmi 163, snow fox sf16353l, lux 163, Champion 656, Patriot, Champion are effective against fresh loose snow. Easily removes precipitation in a layer up to 7 cm; with a larger layer of precipitation, you will have to make some effort to clear the road.

The model is supplied unassembled. Assembly does not require special knowledge or skills - even a schoolboy will cope with the task. It is convenient to store the QI-JY-50 model in any utility room - it takes up a little more space than a regular shovel.

Augers and rotor

The main structural element of the snow blower is in the form of a screw. The auger is very similar to a conventional meat grinder. The shape of the edge is different. It can be smooth or jagged. Smooth-edged shovels are suitable for fresh, loose and wet snow. In different models, the raised edge has a different shape and number of working teeth. Such augers can clear the area of ​​absolutely any snow.

On manual models, rubber or composite (rubber and plastic) augers are used. They can be reinforced with steel or completely metal. Reinforced elements can often withstand a collision with an obstacle, such as a stone or tree stump. This manufacturing approach is especially relevant in single-stage snow blowers, where very fast rotation is required to throw at the required distance.

In two-stage products, the rotor throws snow away. This element is made in the form of an impeller, which often has 4-6 blades. The impeller is made of metal or plastic. It all depends on the purposes for which the instrument is purchased.

When the auger or impeller is jammed, other parts of the mechanism can also break. If an electric motor breaks down, it will have to be repaired or replaced, which costs quite a lot. To prevent such consequences, the augers are mounted on safety bolts. They are specially made so that they break off under heavy load. Most often, this will save the motor and gearbox.

Manual snow blower: scope of the device

A manual snow blower is a device designed to save you the trouble of clearing a snow-covered house with a shovel. In general, in order to get rid of the snow that has fallen, and provide yourself with free passage to any point, there are only three ways: to scatter the snow with a shovel, use a snow blower, or equip a snow melting system.

Manual snow blower at work

By far the least expensive option is a shovel. But one cannot but agree that this method takes a lot of time and effort. Moreover, new snow falls constantly in winter, and you can get an unpleasant surprise in the form of snowdrifts any morning. A more convenient, but at the same time, and difficult to install method is a snow melting system. But it is worth noting that many consider this option too expensive and unjustified.

That is why the manual snow blower has firmly taken its position among the methods of clearing snow, and is widely used in everyday life. Its performance allows you to easily clear snow from an exit road or a small yard, the area of ​​which does not exceed 400 square meters. m. But how quickly you can clear a particular area directly depends on the weather conditions, as well as the technical characteristics of a particular device model.

In the process of clearing snow, the size of the bucket plays an important role. After all, it is this parameter that determines how high a snowdrift you can remove. Sometimes there is additionally a height adjustment using additional legs. This significantly expands the capabilities of the snow blower.

A manual snow blower is an excellent solution for those who travel to the country in the winter or live in a country house. Unlike a full-fledged snowplow, this option is much more compact. Easier to store and easier to care for

Consider how to choose the most suitable model for yourself, what characteristics you should pay attention to and how these devices are arranged

Modern snow removal equipment is equipped with headlights for night work

Features of choice

Mechanical and manual shovels with a snow auger differ. First of all, you must know exactly for what area of ​​the site you will purchase this model.

Handmade samples are handy when your home is on a small plot of land. In this situation, there is no need to spend a significant amount on the purchase of a mechanical tool. In a short period of time, you can clear the entire area of ​​snow by pushing the shovel in front of you.

The surface of a hand-made shovel is smooth or serrated. It is convenient to remove fresh snow from a snow blower with a smooth working surface. Such a shovel will not work to remove accumulated snow. Model with teeth required.

Bucket sizes for shovels can vary in capacity. The larger its volume, the higher the price for the instrument will become.

Its advantages over manual construction are obvious. Snow removal can be carried out on significant areas. If the shovel is driven by a gasoline walk-behind tractor, then it becomes possible to clear large areas from snow.

When it comes to the electric model, the inconvenience in using it is expressed in the presence of a cord connected to the mains. Due to this nuance, the movement of the snow blower is limited, and it is possible to work in an accessible area to the source of electric current. Such shovels are incapable of clearing stubborn snow. They do not have the ability to cut the snow cover in layers.

Mechanical auger shovels gently remove snow cover, do not harm the roadway. By weight, they are up to 14-15 kg. Anyone can work with such equipment, there is no need for special skills.

All snow removal tools do the same job.The existing screw knife captures and crushes the snow, then it is ejected through the discharge sleeve, as mentioned earlier. Depending on the size of your site, you can decide for yourself whether you will purchase a conventional hand auger shovel or a mechanical model.

The choice of adaptation is also influenced by the financial side of the issue. If you can't afford to buy a power shovel, then a hand tool equipped with an auger will be much better than a conventional one. You don't have to bend over each time and lift heavy snow to throw it aside. You only need to move the unit in front of you.

When you decide to buy a mechanical model, you need to know exactly what kind of snow you are going to remove. An important role is played by the presence of a nearby power supply so that it is possible to pull the extension cord.

The human factor is also important in the selection of a snow shovel. You need to understand who will work with such a tool. It can be a grown man, an elderly person, or a schoolboy.

The quality of work of a shovel equipped with an auger is affected by the type of snow, its thickness and the air temperature outside during the period of operation.

Loose snow is best removed with a hand shovel model. In this case, there will be no adhesion in the area of ​​the scraper. A plastic auger will do.

When it was frosty outside and the temperature rose, as a result, ice forms, then carrying out snow removal work using a manual shovel sample would not be an acceptable solution. In such a situation, do not use a plastic auger. Hard snow layers can only be removed with a mechanical tool. A steel knife will crush pieces of ice. Obviously, working with a mechanical shovel with auger is much easier and more reliable.

The service life of this type of device is much greater than the time of using a manual sample.

The disadvantage when using such shovels is the need for thorough cleaning after work. Among the positive aspects of using this tool, you can add the ability to transport shovels with auger in the trunk of your car, if the need arises. The tool does not take up much space.

In the next video, you will find a brief overview of the Forte QI-JY-50 mechanical snow shovel.

How to choose a snow shovel?

The winter tool is selected based on individual preferences, however, there are prerequisites that it must meet:

Strength. The snow shovel should not break on the first day of operation. This is especially true of plastic products, which, despite all their positive aspects, are fragile. It is necessary to check the elasticity of the bucket by placing it on the floor and leaning slightly on the handle. Too soft material will not cope with compressed snowdrifts, and too hard plastic will simply break under pushing load or burst from frost. Therefore, the plastic must be frost-resistant. The presence of a galvanized edging along the end and stiffeners is mandatory. Perhaps moisture resistance can also be included here. Wooden versions do not have it. The plywood surface will only last long enough if all adhered snow is removed from it with a broom or brush after work.

• Lightness is perhaps the most important criterion. A good snow shovel weighs no more than 2 kg. Otherwise, it will be extremely difficult to unleash the potential of a large scoop, due to the rapid fatigue when working with a heavy tool.
• Convenience of work. The decisive factor here is the length of the cutting, which is selected individually. A holder that is too short when working will put a serious strain on the back, which will be constantly bent. Too long will create inconvenience. The comfort of using a winter tool is increased by a plastic handle at the end of the handle, made in the shape of a T or V.

You should also focus on the expected range of tasks.

For example, cleaning a roof made of metal tiles should be done with a plastic tool without metal edging, while breaking up frozen snowdrifts - preferably with a steel shovel.

Making a plastic snow shovel

A small plastic shovel is quite suitable for clearing the path from the house to the gate. Let's try to make this option as well. You will need:

• a piece of high-quality plastic measuring 45 x 45 or 50 x 50 cm,
• wire,
• wooden holder,
• aluminum plate,
• jigsaw or hacksaw for metal,
• screwdriver,
• self-tapping screws.

What to make a bucket from: preparing material for a shovel

For a bucket, for example, a plastic bowl or other container may work. The main thing is that the plastic is hard and bent well. Before using it, it must be tested for strength. Do your best to break it. If the plastic bends well and does not break, then the material for the shovel will work.

You can cut the required size of the scoop with an electric jigsaw or a hacksaw for metal. It is not necessary to achieve smooth edges, because the edge of the shovel will sharpen on the snow so quickly when working.

How to make a shovel holder with your own hands

We already wrote above how to make a holder for a shovel with our own hands - in the technology of making a wooden shovel. It can be safely used for a plastic shovel.

In addition to the wooden one, the holder can also be plastic and aluminum. We attach the handle to the plastic with a wire. We make four holes in the plastic part with a hot nail: two at the point of contact with the handle, two at the place where it comes to the end of the plastic. We push the wire into them and fix the holder.

A more difficult way is to attach the stalk with iron plates. A screwdriver is used to mount it. One plate will hold the handle, the other is attached where the end of the holder contacts the scoop.

A plastic shovel for clearing snow with your own hands can last a little longer than a wooden or metal one, and is convenient due to its low weight.

Advantages of a snow shovel with auger

The main ones include:

• Speed. Copes with snowdrifts quite quickly, while, at the same time, it is not even afraid of an ice crust or icy areas.
• Mobility. All snow blowers can be easily moved over any distance. If the device is equipped with an engine, then you do not need to make any special efforts for this.
• Efficiency. Compared to manual cleaning, the productivity increases tenfold. But this device is intended to replace simple shovels. The wider the bucket, the faster the harvesting process. Be sure to keep an eye on the thickness of the bucket. Too thin are quickly deformed.
• Reliability of the auger. They are made from durable grades of steel. There are variations from rubber or rubber - plastic, but in these cases they are reinforced with steel.

Estimated prices

• Wooden shovel made of plywood - from 150 rubles.
• Snow removal tool with a steel bucket and a wooden handle - from 300 rubles.
• Aluminum spades are sold - 600-700 rubles.
• Domestic ordinary plastic shovels cost no more than 240-300 rubles, imported ones - from 900 rubles. Original models can cost up to 2 thousand rubles.
• An unpretentious scraper (shovel-scraper) with a plastic bucket - 1-2 thousand rubles.
• A mechanical snow blower with a steel auger retail - from 1 thousand rubles. Electrified rotary tool - from 6 thousand rubles.
• Two-wheel scraper with a steel bucket from 4 thousand rubles. Four-wheel models of hand scrapers - from 6 thousand rubles.

Snow shovel

Auger shovel - types and description

Despite the variety of models, the tools are similar in the principle of operation and the structure of the mechanism.

Upgraded infantry can be:

1. One-stage - with 1 working mechanism, equipped with a circular knife, spirally twisted.When the drum rotates, they capture the snow and feed it to the blades, which push the mass out through the outlet sleeve.
2. Two-stage - in addition to the auger, it is equipped with a rotor, which additionally loosens the snow mass so that it can be pushed out by the air flow through the outlet channel.

Auger shovels by drive type are divided into:

1. Hand tools, made by analogy with a scraper blade. They are equipped with a spiral blade that is driven by human pushing forces.
2. Power tools with an electric motor or internal combustion. At the same time, the emission of snow reaches 12-15 m, but these are no longer auger shovels in the literal sense of the word, but rather a means of small mechanization or a hitch for a mini tractor, walk-behind tractor.

The latter are divided according to the type of movement:

1. On wheels or skis. They are set in motion by human efforts.
2. Self-propelled - on wheels or tracks. Here, a person controls the unit by means of a handle.

When working with a regular paddle, a large load is exerted on the shoulders and back. Especially when the snow-covered area is large. With the help of a manual auger shovel, work can be greatly facilitated.

Main types of devices

Snow removal products with auger construction can be manual and mechanical. Also, these devices are divided into self-propelled and non-self-propelled types. The shovels are made in the form of designs with one or two steps.

To work with a hand-held device, you must independently apply force on it. During pushing, the auger begins to rotate, due to which the snowballs are destroyed and removed to the side.

In mechanical models, a fuel or electric motor is installed, which is connected as an option. If you connect the auger shovel to the walk-behind tractor, it will be able to throw snow at a distance of 10-15 m.

Also, mechanical models can be supplemented with a fan, with the help of which the discharge is carried out. Thanks to the outlet arm, any angle can be adjusted. The rotation speed of the ventilation blades is influenced by the power of the connected motor.

Such a snow removal mechanism can be equipped with skis so that a person himself can move it around the site without much effort. These models are called non-self-propelled.

The single stage shovel type has only one auger. Knives are arranged in a spiral on it. During rotation, snow is captured, which is then crushed and diverted towards the blades. The last element of the mechanism pushes the snow through the discharge sleeve.